6142.101 (a) (approved 3/12/18)
Instruction
Student Wellness
It is the goal of the Kent Board of Education to strive to make a significant contribution to the
general well-being, mental and physical capacity and learning ability of each student and afford
them the opportunity to fully participate in the educational process. The Board of Education
promotes student health, wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the
total learning environment. Kent Center School supports a healthy environment where children
learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the
support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic
health and wellbeing of children. Improved health optimizes student performance potential.
Nutrition Education and Promotion
Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to a longer and healthier life. To promote the health and
well-being of all students, students will receive consistent nutrition messages throughout the
school. The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with the school’s
health goals to positively influence a student’s understanding and habits as they relate to good
nutrition and regular physical activity.
Students will receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches the skills students need
to adopt healthy eating behaviors. The nutrition curriculum will encompass the following:
● The promotion of adequate nutrient intake and healthy eating practices;
● Skill development, such as reading labels to evaluate nutrient quality of foods, meal
planning, and analysis of health information;
● Examination of the problems associated with food marketing to children;
● Nutrition themes such as the USDA’s My Plate, body image, and food safety. Nutrition
promotion will include participatory activities such as IGA visits, and experience working
in school gardens;
● Nutrition education will promote fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products and low-fat dairy
products;
● Students will have opportunities to taste foods that are low in saturated and trans-fats,
sodium, and added sugar;
● School staff involved in nutrition education and in supporting a healthy school
environment will be provided with adequate up-to-date nutrition information.
● Nutrition education will be provided to families via handouts, newsletters, postings on the
web-site, and presentations. The school menu will be posted online;
● All staff is encouraged to promote healthy lifestyles. In addition, staff is encouraged to
model healthy habits as a valuable part of student education;
● Healthy alternatives will be encouraged at food sales and parties related to school
activities;
● The practice of good nutrition during school will be encouraged by the sale and/or free
distribution of foods of maximum nutritional value, as defined in the federal regulations;
● Suggestions will be provided to families with regard to packing school lunches and
snacks that meet district nutrition standards;
● Staff will involve family members and the community in supporting and reinforcing
nutrition education and the promotion of healthy eating and lifestyles;
The effectiveness of this policy in promoting healthy eating will be evaluated regularly and the